Need some grenadine, or simply wondering what it is? This bright syrup makes vibrant pink and red cocktails and mocktails. It’s often thought of as cherry flavored, it’s got a different fruity origin: pomegranate You can buy it at the store: but it’s easy to make at home too: in fact, we prefer it homemade! Here’s what you need to know about this essential cocktail ingredient.
What is grenadine?
Grenadine is a red non-alcoholic syrup with a sweet tart flavor, commonly used in cocktails and mocktails. It’s made from pomegranate juice, and has a long history of use in cocktails and bartending. The first published mention of grenadine in a cocktail was in 1895, and it became very popular in drinks in the 1920’s. The name comes from the French word for pomegranate, grenade. Grenadine was originally made from pomegranate juice, but many products on the market today have artificial sweeteners and colors. Look for an all natural grenadine or make homemade grenadine.
What does grenadine taste like?
Grenadine has a flavor that’s both sweet and tart, with a fruity finish. It’s most commonly used to add color to drinks, but it also adds sweetness. Are there any grenadine substitutes? Yes. The best option is homemade. Or, try 2 parts pomegranate juice and 1 part simple syrup, raspberry syrup, or maraschino juice from a jar of cherries. Read more here.
How to make homemade grenadine
Homemade grenadine is all natural and has none of the artificial colors and flavors you can find in store-bought. We highly recommend making it at home if at all possible, but you can also opt for an all natural brand (see below). Here are a few tips on the process:
Use fresh juice (not bottled). Fresh squeezed juice from pomegranate seeds makes the most vibrant color. Bottled juice makes a very dark colored, muted syrup. Simmer the juice and sugar. Go to How to Make Grenadine for more. Store refrigerated up to 3 weeks, or fortify for longer. For a storage time longer than 3 weeks, add 1 tablespoon vodka or brandy to fortify the syrup.
Why we like it
Grenadine is an essential ingredient in classic cocktails! It adds a beautiful red color and sweet, subtly fruity flavor.
How much does it cost?
Grenadine is fairly inexpensive, but try to look for authentic brands made from real pomegranate. Here’s a link to an all natural grenadine that costs $10 for 12 ounces. We have experience using the Small Hand Foods brand: keep in mind that its color is slightly darker and cloudier than homemade.
Most popular grenadine cocktails
Grenadine is popularly used in both cocktails and mocktails, like the Shirley Temple and Roy Rodgers. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:
Don’t want to use a recipe? Mix a bar spoon of grenadine with soda water, ginger ale, ginger beer, or cola for a tasty mocktail.Want a cocktail? Try it in one of these popular grenadine cocktails and mocktails:
Other cocktails
This bar syrup also features in the following drinks: Invented in: 1970’s Invented in: 1930’s Invented in: 1908 Invented in: Unknown, likely 1940’s
Singapore SlingHurricaneEl PresidenteZombiePineapple Vodka Cocktail
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